Autonomic abnormalities in congestive heart failure patients with sleep-disordered breathing

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of chronic heart failure is affecting patients' longevity, quality of life, and health resources, despite advances in management. Recognizing and treating comorbid illnesses is critical. Risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are treated, but less importance is placed on the role of sleep apnea in heart failure.

Methods and results: There is a discrepancy between the growing evidence on the potential adverse influence of sleep apnea on heart failure (and vice versa) and incorporating its treatment as part of the management strategy for chronic heart failure. Apneic episodes during sleep can lead to profound disturbances to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

Conclusions: This review explores the impact of sleep disordered breathing in patients with chronic heart failure, focusing on the autonomic nervous system.